IMO says ‘no contact’ over free child care GP plan

Doctors have claimed Health Minister James Reilly is “not serious” about his high-profile free child GP care plan after revealing they have yet to be contacted over the issue.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Today With Sean O’Rourke yesterday, Dr Reilly said he wants to see the free service for children under the age of five implemented next year.

While he admitted the policy shift — which is expected to cost over €40m — has still to be signed off on by Government, Dr Reilly said he hopes to see it introduced next year.

Similar statements have previously been made by Dr Reilly, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and junior health minister Alex White, strongly suggesting the policy is gaining support within the Cabinet.

However, the Irish Medical Organisation said it is “incredulous” at the latest pronouncement as its members have still not been asked for their views over the possible change.

“Over recent weeks Minister Reilly and Alex White have repeatedly raised hopes of a dramatic extension of free GP care for young people,” said IMO GP committee chairman Dr Ray Walley.

“Yet neither has made any attempt to engage with the GPs who they expect to provide this service.

“This suggests either an utter disregard for the people who will be responsible for delivering this service or an extremely cynical approach to politics and policy. It strikes us that the minister is not serious about policy and not serious about this initiative.

“GPs would welcome a carefully planned and resourced extension of GP services to under-fives, but they have to be resourced properly to be able to provide this service.

“So far there is no sign of any interest by the Government in even discussing the issues involved with GPs, which suggests they have little expecting of actually implementing the initiative,” he said.